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Wednesday, 31 October 2012

Andy Tauer is very kindly hosting a draw for a signed copy of my book on his blog; please click here to be taken to it. Even if you're not interested in entering the give-away, you might enjoy reading people's thoughts on their favourite perfume bottles. My own view on the subject is that the Guerlains still take some beating. If you line them all up (yes, even the modern ones) they make a very pretty sight indeed. If I had to single one out, it would probably be Chamade, partly because I once found a pristine specimen - full to the brim - at an antiques shop in Mumbai. But that's another story...

Tuesday, 30 October 2012

In today's uncharacteristically visual post, I've attempted to give you a flavour of a launch party that was held for my book last Thursday night at L'Artisan Parfumeur's Covent Garden boutique. Sadly, we didn't have any professional photographers on hand to overcome the problems posed by the tricky lighting, but hopefully these snapshots will give you some sense of what the event was like. From my perspective, it was a joy from start to finish, and I'd like to thank the following people for making it such a success:

Friday, 26 October 2012

This week, I give you three interesting twists on familiar themes. First up is Florabotanica, the latest from Balenciaga. Basically, it's yet another rose, but thanks to the skill of IFF perfumers Olivier Polge and Jean-Christophe Herault, it is also an intriguing exercise in creating something that appeals to a younger demographic without being condescending. In other words, it isn't a fruity patchouli based on a shampoo accord. Its floral heart is balanced at one end by melon notes (which are never allowed to grow too pink or silly) and at the other by a dry facet (possibly a combination of iris and cedar). The whole package works extremely well, from the scent itself, through to the presentation (the contrast between the retro-groovy bottle and the coiled, hyper-colourful vines on the box is superb) and even to the advertising campaign, featuring an inscrutable Kristen Stewart. Her laconic expression seems to say, "Don't come here if you're looking for clichés" and for once, the fragrance backs her up.

Friday, 19 October 2012

Loretta has a secret, but she hides it in plain sight. The first time she digs her claws into your neck, you experience a moment of fear, but you quickly tell yourself that she won't be hard to figure out. She's just a tuberose. She may be assertive and tenacious, but she's easy to read, and therefore easy to forget.

Tuesday, 16 October 2012

Over the last week or so, I've yet again had cause to think about the link between smells and memories, and I've found myself remembering a recent episode of Desert Island Discs. For those unaware of this revered British radio institution, I'll briefly state that it takes the form of an interview in which the subject has to choose eight pieces of music which he or she would wish to have nearby in the event of an unexpected stint on a desert island. At the end of the programme, once all the tracks have been played, the interviewee also has to choose one book (in addition to the Bible and the complete works of Shakespeare) as well as one luxury item.

Friday, 12 October 2012

Of all the new niche brands that have popped up recently, three keep returning to my thoughts as they seem to represent the broad categories into which emerging perfume houses can currently be divided.

Tuesday, 9 October 2012

Things are super hectic at Maison Persolaise. Yes, this is partly because of the excitement generated by the release of my book (about which I'm not complaining one bit), but it's also a result of trying to get back into normal routines after what can only be described as an inordinately long holiday. I suppose I shouldn't be surprised: if Madame P and I insist on leaving these shores for such ridiculous lengths of time, we have to expect a few difficulties upon our return. The whole situation makes me chuckle, because I've never thought of myself as a 'work hard, play hard' type of person, but I guess that's who I am. Isn't that what medical students are famous for: giving 110% to their studies, and then putting on the most raucous parties known to humanity? Perhaps, in my younger days, I should've chosen to don lab coats and stethoscopes...

Monday, 1 October 2012

It's the 1st of October, which means it's celebration time at Maison Persolaise, because this is the day that sees the publication of my very first book, Le Snob: Perfume. Needless to say, I can barely contain my excitement.

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About This Site

Persolaise.com features reviews of perfumes, interviews with fragrance industry figures and general articles related to the world of scent. The site is not affiliated in any way to any brands, wholesalers, retailers or organisations involved with the fragrance industry.

All reviews are entirely independent. The content of posts is never 'sponsored' by any external agencies.

Some reviews are based on samples provided by brands; others are based on samples obtained by the author. This has no bearing on the content of the reviews.